CSU Breaks Ground on Advanced Technology Lasers for Applications and Science (Atlas) Facility

Colorado State University has broken ground on its new Advanced Technology Lasers for Applications and Science (ATLAS) Facility on its Foothills Campus. This $150 million public-private partnership between CSU and Marvel Fusion allows the university to build a unique cluster of high-intensity, high-repetition lasers in collaboration with private industry and the federal government.

The public-private partnership selected McCarthy Building Companies as general contractor and SWBR as the architect for one of the most powerful laser research instillations in the world. The cutting-edge facility will focus on creating fusion energy as a viable clean energy source and the flexibility to study a range of topics related to matter interactions.

“CSU is a leader in laser research and technology, which has led us to break ground on a building that will bring that impactful research to the next level,” said Colorado State University Vice President for Research Cassandra Moseley. “We celebrate today with the scientists whose teams helped get us to this point, and with excitement for the research power and discovery that will take place in this facility.”

Beyond fusion and basic science research, the ATLAS Facility will also support interdisciplinary work into topics like medicine where lasers could be used to can deposit energy in a very localized region for tumor treatment. Other potential research at the facility includes microchip lithography and design and detailed x-ray imaging of rapidly moving objects such as airplane engine turbines in full motion. The facility will also broadly support fundamental science research.

"This groundbreaking marks an exciting new chapter in the partnership between Marvel Fusion and Colorado State University as we move forward with constructing a facility that will drive the future of fusion energy,” said Heike Freund, chief operating officer of Marvel Fusion. “Fusion energy has the potential to revolutionize the approach to sustainable power, providing a virtually limitless, clean energy source. This collaboration sets CSU and MF at the forefront of cutting-edge research, paving the way for transformative advancements that could redefine global energy solutions."  

In addition to research on fusion energy, the 71,000-square-foot facility will host innovative education and workforce development activities. The laser facility boasts over 7,500 cubic yards of concrete with 5-foot-thick shielding walls around the target bay and a 3-foot-thick slab below the laser and target bays for vibration isolation. The lab spaces will feature clean rooms up to ISO 6 / Class 1,000 and the HVAC systems will maintain extreme tolerances to keep the laser systems functioning properly in temperature and humidity-controlled environments.

Fusion energy is a form of power generation that aims to recreate the process that powers the sun by fusing atomic nuclei together. If successful, laser-driven fusion energy promises to safely generate practically unlimited, sustainable, carbon-free energy. When finished the facility will feature an upgraded version of an existing ultrahigh power laser developed at CSU in combination with two new lasers provided by Marvel Fusion. The new structure will be located near existing laser research focused buildings and will house related labs and offices. Taken together the project is a major expansion of space and capabilities for the university.

"McCarthy is honored to collaborate with Colorado State University, Tetrad, Marvel, CSU STRATA, our design partners led by SWBR, and many others to bring this groundbreaking facility to life for the university and its future students," said Joe Brunsman, senior vice president of McCarthy Building Companies’ Colorado. "We understand the transformative impact this facility will have, not only in advancing CSU’s reputation but also in positioning Fort Collins as a global leader in fusion research. This project represents a major milestone for the university and the broader scientific community, and we are excited to be part of this visionary effort."

The project is expected to be completed in mid-2026.

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About Colorado State University

Colorado State University, one of the nation’s top-performing public research institutions, has more than 33,000 students. Founded in 1870 as Colorado’s land-grant institution, CSU is renowned for its world-class faculty and research and academic programs in infectious disease, atmospheric science, clean energy technologies, human and animal health, environmental science, global business and more. CSU graduates on average carry less student debt and are employed at higher rates than their peers nationwide.

About McCarthy

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. is the oldest privately held national construction company in the country – with 160 years spent collaborating with partners to solve complex building challenges on behalf of its clients. With an unrelenting focus on safety and a comprehensive quality program that span all phases of every project, McCarthy utilizes industry-leading design phase and construction techniques combined with value-add technology to maximize outcomes. Repeatedly honored as a Best Place to Work and Healthiest Employer, McCarthy is ranked the 8th largest domestic builder (Engineering News-Record, May 2021). With approximately 3,700 salaried employees and craft professionals, the firm has offices in St. Louis, Atlanta; Collinsville, Ill.; Kansas City, Kan.; Omaha, Neb.; Phoenix; Las Vegas; Denver; Dallas, Houston; and San Diego, Newport Beach, Los Angeles; San Francisco, San Jose and Sacramento, Calif. McCarthy is 100 percent employee owned. More information about the company is available online at www.mccarthy.com or by following the company on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.